Better Together
So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. Ephesians 2:19-21
From Genesis chapter 2, the Lord God observed that it was not good for man to live alone. While this led to the creation of the woman to be a suitable helper for the man, it still means that God created humanity to be in community, with Him and with one another. The New Testament, likewise, demonstrates God’s desire for Christians to be in community with one another, in addition to Him. Where two or three are gathered, Christ is in the midst of the Christian community.
The Church has always been understood to be larger than a single congregation. The New Testament epistles are full of greetings and encouragement from the saints in one community to another. God’s design is for individuals to be strengthened in the faith through Word and Sacrament as part of a Church community. That design also includes congregations being part of a larger community of believers. We are blessed to be better together than to live in isolation.
It is my prayer that our congregations will explore ways in which they can support one another. That is what it means to be a Synod, to walk together in confessing the truth, in witness and service. Congregations are better together in discipling children and youth, in providing service and study for women, men and senior, and in providing schools and campus ministries. By God’s grace, we are united in doctrine and mission. How is your congregation partnering with other congregations for the sake of Christ and His Church? It starts with Christ and His Word and flows to our relationship with other saints for His sake.
Prayer – Almighty God, You have knit us together as one body in Christ, by Your Spirit’s work, enable us to grow up into Him, who is our head, even Jesus Christ; in His name, we pray. Amen.
Peace in Christ,
President Lee Hagan